Next Steps into a New Life

So what’s happened since my big decision… insomnia has happened. Trying to sell all my worldly belongings and cancel a life that I thought would be at least mid-term if not long-term. Not easy when you don’t speak the lingo! I explored Madrid and realised Barcelona has my heart. I landed in the right city with just a suitcase and a screenshot of a google map back in early October. I couldn’t have known how hard and wonderful this experience would be in equal measures.

I’ve struggled with writer’s and creative block. Completely paralysed with the enormity of what I was doing. I travelled before but this time it feels more permanent, well as permanent as anything really is. This time I don’t have the money to travel, I’m completely relying on using my skills to score a bed, food, to live.

I found my feet again and late nights and hazy mornings have been spent building a website, sorting my online shit out. I’m excited to be going to TBEX a travel blogger conference. It’s just up the road from my Barcelona home so it would have been rude not to go. I have been to and run many blogger events but this time I’ll be a blogger not the brand. I’ve had to get my shit together, writing my pitch documents, get business cards, a logo – I love my logo!

Oh and I scored my first project! I interviewed for the role of Raleigh International’s Communication Officer and got it. I’m moving to Costa Rica early June where I’ll be running the communications for all the wonderful projects Raleigh has going on in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I’ll be blogging for Raleigh, visiting the projects and getting under the skin of what’s going on there. I’ll be producing a weekly radio show and managing the media relations. It’s a three month thing and an amazing stepping stone into my new life.

I knew I’d get back to Costa Rica somehow and it means I can carry on learning Spanish. I’ve convinced myself it’ll be easier without the mix of Catalan… I’m ever hopeful! Those who have followed my travels will know I chucked my iPhone in a lake when I was last in Costa Rica. I was on a fast moving boat and I tripped as I ran to get a photo of the most beautiful volcano. My shiny gold phone sank without a trace and I therefore have a Costa Rica shape gap in my photos from my travels. I plan to fill that hole over the following months!

Before I set off in seven weeks I have to move countries, do a first aid course, a video editing course, a family pilgrimage . Get a new passport… shit! I’m taking deep breaths, drinking too much coffee and working hard on getting my website looking as ready as it can be. I’ll be sharing it and begging you all to have a nose around in about a week. You’ve been warned!